Biden Inauguration Comes & Goes With No New Violence
Despite threats of violence against their inauguration, without interruption Joe Biden and Kamala Harris swore in as President and Vice President on Wednesday. In the 48 hours since their inauguration, thankfully, no violence occurred. The lack of anti-government activity during the inauguration ceremony came as welcome news to Law Enforcement officials bracing for the worst.
Prior to the inauguration, the FBI warned of possible armed violence in all 50 State Capitols. Those threats followed the deadly January 6th insurrection attack on the Capitol building in Washington D.C. Inspired by false and unproven claims of voter fraud by former President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans, rioters broke into the Capitol building during Congress’ certification of the results of the November 3rd election. Most rioters escaped without incident, prompting Federal authorities to pursue and arrest over one hundred individuals. In the aftermath, some 20,000 National Guard forces deployed to D.C. In addition, House Democrats, joined by 10 Republicans, impeached former President Donald Trump for the second time. Mr. Trump’s trial begins February 8th.
Closer To Home: Elk Grove Tribune Visits Capitol; Protestors Clash
Here in our area, Governor Gavin Newsom sent 1,000 armed National Guard to the Capitol in Sacramento. Elk Grove Tribune visited the Capitol on inauguration day to get a first hand look at the security precautions. Groups of armed personnel formed a perimeter as our team neared the Capitol Building. Large military style trucks and High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (“Humvees”) reinforced the perimeter. The National Guard approached as we took photos, asking us for media credentials. California Highway Patrol forces also stood guard along a long fence restricting access to the Capitol grounds. While Joe Biden took the Oath Of Office, the streets remained largely empty and void of traffic. No protestors.
Later in the day however, a group of protestors marched peacefully on the Capitol building. It is not clear whether the group had any particular political affiliation.
Biden Gets To Work
In the 48 hours since his inauguration President Joe Biden signed at least seventeen Executive Orders. Among them, requiring masks and social distancing on federal property and reentering the Paris Climate Agreement. In addition, President Biden extended protection for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Furthermore, he ended construction of the wall on the U.S.-Mexican border. Expect more presidential action in the coming days.
Read the full list of Executive Orders here https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/
